The newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, gained access to the party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday following a chaotic confrontation that involved tear gas, police barricades, and political thugs.
In a press statement issued by National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP commended Nigerians and party members for their “courage and resilience” in resisting what it described as an attempt by anti-democratic elements to hijack the party headquarters.
The party recounted the events surrounding the arrival of the National Chairman, accompanied by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for the NWC’s inaugural meeting.
According to the party, the entrance to the secretariat was barricaded by compromised personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and armed thugs.
The PDP accused the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and expelled former National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, both recently removed from the party, of orchestrating the aggression.
“Without any provocation, they fired tear-gas canisters at the Governors, NWC members, party leaders and peaceful supporters,” PDP claimed.
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The party alleged that over 200 canisters were deployed against unarmed and harmless citizens.
The attack reportedly sparked a stampede and left multiple people injured.
The party maintained that the incident went beyond internal party politics, describing the state-backed aggression as a direct threat to the survival of our democracy and an attack on the opposition under the authority of President Bola Tinubu.
It further warned that the suppression of opposition fuels “electoral authoritarianism.”
Despite the violence, PDP supporters reportedly held their ground, ultimately enabling the NWC members to access the National Secretariat and conduct their meeting.
Reaffirming its commitment to securing power in 2027, the PDP NWC called on all democracy-loving nations, institutions, and individuals to condemn the brazen assault on democratic freedom in Nigeria.
The party urged security agencies to prioritise tackling widespread insecurity rather than facilitating attacks on opposition parties.
